Parent Educational Advocacy Training Center

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1 Understanding s Standards of Learning and Graduation For Students with Disabilities No Child Left Behind (NCLB) and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) require that all students, including those with disabilities, be tested for their knowledge against state standards. The Standards of Learning (SOL) contain the competencies for each grade and subject for all students. Reading and mathematics tests are given annually in grades 3 through 8. Science, history and social science tests are given in 3 rd, 5 th, and 8 th grades. Students must pass SOL tests in certain high school subjects to earn a regular or advanced studies diploma. There is a clear relationship between high expectations and positive outcomes for students with disabilities. offers a number of options for helping students learn to high standards and demonstrate that they have mastered the content, despite their disability. diploma options include the following: Standard 22 credits including 6 verified credits (including specific courses in English, math, lab science, history and social studies, arts, PE, and electives) Advanced Studies 24 credits including 9 verified credits (including specific courses in English, math, lab science, history and social studies, foreign language, arts, PE, and electives) (for students with disabilities) 20 credits including specific courses in English, math, lab science, history and social studies, arts, PE, and electives. Though students must take SOL exams, do not have to pass them. They must pass the numeracy and literacy competency assessments prescribed by the Board of Education. Special - Students with disabilities who complete the requirements of their Individualized Education Program (IEP) and do not meet the requirements for a Standard, Advanced Studies, or Modified Standard receive a Special. General Achievement for students who are at least age 18, requires certain courses and passing the General Equivalency exam. Students with disabilities remain eligible for special education through age 22 in unless they have received a Standard or Advanced Studies. Many students participate in vocational or technical education programs during or after their four years in high school. It is important to understand Standards of Learning and diploma options in order to successfully use the high school years to prepare for life after graduation. Schools must provide students with a summary of academic achievement and functional performance when they graduate or age out of school. The summary is important for documenting college accommodations and eligibility for other programs and services after high school. It is important to work with the school to prepare this document and check with colleges and programs about whether the information is adequate to provide needed services, supports and modifications BEFORE leaving high school. Building Better Futures for s Children 1

2 Helpful Websites PEATC s NEXT STEPS Transition Program Department of Education Transition Home page Transition of Students With Disabilities To Postsecondary Education: A Guide for High School Educators Students with Disabilities Preparing for Postsecondary Education: Know Your Rights and Responsibilities Standards of Learning Standards-Driven IEPs and other IEP Information Standards of Learning Currently in Effect for Public Schools The Standards of Learning for Public Schools describe the commonwealth's expectations for student learning and achievement in grades K-12 in English, mathematics, science, history/social science, technology, the fine arts, foreign language, health and physical education, and driver education. DOE Division of Assessment and Reporting Provides information available on accommodations, alternate assessment, and substitute evaluation programs for students with disabilities. Standards of Learning: Instruction, Training, and Assessment Resources Standards of Learning Test Information Includes test information and released test items. 's Web-based SOL Technology Initiative SOL Passing Rates Department of Education Statewide Passing Rates for Standards of Learning Tests.

3 SOL Enhanced Scope and Sequence PLUS Created by The DOE and the Training and Technical Assistance Centers, contains differentiated lessons to deliver SOL-based content instruction to diverse learners, including students with disabilities and/or limited English proficiency. Graduation Project Graduation Graduation Requirements and Resources Governor Warner s program to provide information and support to s youth and families interested in receiving a high school diploma. Includes information about the requirements of the Standards of Accreditation for students in. General Achievement An alternate diploma for certain young adults who are age 18 or over National Center on Education Outcomes Graduation requirements for students with disabilities along with links to State information and other resources. The General Equivalency GED.html Whether a student is considering a GED or is searching for resources, this site can help a student assess what it will take to pass and where to go to find instructional support. College College Quest Resources and planning tools for finding and getting into college. s College Guide for Students with Disabilities Virtual Advanced Placement School A variety of college-level courses, enabling students to earn college credit regardless of their home high school s ability to offer college-level courses. Mentor Online resource to help students and their families select a college, apply for admission, and plan to finance higher education in.

4 The Assessment System for Students with Disabilities At-A-Glance Assessment Description Available to Grade or Level Available Standards of Learning Tests Multiple choice assessments in core content; writing prompt; standard and non-standard accommodations are Students with disabilities who have been instructed in the content covered by the assessments Grades 3-8 and for selected high school courses Plain English Math available Covers content covered in math standards with linguistic simplifications using a multiple choice format Note: Test is considered an accommodation. Students with disabilities who need a simplification of reading load, syntax, and vocabulary, certain students with Limited English Proficiency (LEP) Grades 3-8 Grade Level Alternative (VGLA) Substitute Evaluation Program (VSEP) Alternate Assessment Program (VAAP) that evidences the gradelevel competency according to SOL blueprints. that evidences the same standards covered in the SOL assessments evidencing achievement in the Aligned Standards of Learning Students in grades 3-8 whose nature and level of disability prevents them from accessing SOL tests, even with accommodations. Secondary students whose disabilities prevent participation in the SOL assessments, even with accommodations Available to students meeting the Participation Guidelines Grades 3-8 Selected high school courses Grades 3-8 and high school

5 Selected Substitute Tests Available To Students With Disabilities Assessment Description Availability Grade/Level Administered Writing Tests Reading Math ACT Reading: EXPLORE ACT: Math EXPLORE SOL Substitutes substitute tests for SOL end-of -course English writing test satisfies the literacy satisfies the numeracy satisfies the literacy test satisfying the numeracy An assessment higher than the 8 th grade SOL English & Math tests Within the SOL testing program Selected End-of- Course Tests (Algebra I, II, English Reading)